Kibra Constituency, one of Nairobi’s most politically symbolic battlegrounds, is witnessing a shake-up following the dramatic entry of the philanthropist and grassroots mobiliser Nicholus Okach, popularly known as the CEO.
Okach has raised eyebrows after declaring Kibra his
“stronghold”, insisting he has the vision and capacity to transform the lives of residents in one of the city’s most densely populated areas.
Over the past few years, he has built a formidable presence across Kibra’s informal settlements, including Laini Saba, Gatwekera, Makina and Kianda. Unlike traditional politicians who mainly appear during election cycles, residents say Okach has stayed on the ground, earning rare goodwill across party lines.
“He never announced himself as a politician. He simply showed up when people needed help,” said a community leader in Gatwekera, citing his work in education, medical aid, youth programmes, and emergency response during fires and floods.
*Influence During the Odinga Era*
Residents note that Okach’s popularity predates the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death. Even during the Odinga era, when political space in Kibra was tightly controlled, the CEO reportedly focused on development and humanitarian work rather than over politics.
This has sparked speculation that he may have enjoyed tacit approval from the late premier — claims that remain unverified but have strengthened his acceptance in a constituency historically resistant to new political players.
Sources says Okach’s emergence signals a potential shift in Kibra’s dynamics, with voters increasingly drawn to leaders perceived as accessible, consistent, and rooted in community service rather than party politics.